Rolla Presbyterian Manor promotes Good Samaritan Program with a decorated tree
For the past three years, Valerie Eades has decorated a “Good Samaritan tree” at Rolla Presbyterian Manor. The social services designer changes the decorations with each new season.
“I think I got this from my mother,” Valerie said. “There is not a holiday that goes by that my mother did not decorate.”
The purpose of the tree is to bring attention to the Good Samaritan Program. Passersby who stop to look at the tree will also find information about the charitable program, which benefits residents of Rolla Presbyterian Manor who have outlived their financial resources through no fault of their own.
“It’s one of the most wonderful things we have here,” Valerie said. “The idea is that if people know more about it, they may possibly donate.”
Valerie’s mother, Rose Martin, is a Presbyterian Manor resident. When Rose lived with her daughter, Valerie kept up a tree up all year that her mother would decorate for every holiday.
“I thought it was a great idea, so I incorporated it here,” Valerie said.
The Good Samaritan tree has become more important since the beginning of the pandemic.
“It’s something positive and pretty,” Valerie said. “The residents have been quarantined, so they like to stroll up here to look at it. It’s nice to have a little novelty.”
Valerie thinks the fall tree is the prettiest one yet. She reached out to one of Rose’s friends, who lent some beautiful ornaments for the seasonal display.
“It just makes me feel good to look at it,” Valerie said. “It’s something nice in this crazy time we’re having. We really needed that this year.”
